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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

after anything

Hello, 'I can't do anything with/about that.' With or about, Is either okay to use in that sentence? Thank you.
  

Top answer

Anonymous With or about, Is either okay to use in that sentence? Yes, but not with the same meaning. If you are trying to swat a fly and someone hands you a hammer, you say "I can't do anything with that.

— CalifJim

  • Anonymous With or about, Is either okay to use in that sentence?
  • Yes, but not with the same meaning.
  • If you are trying to swat a fly and someone hands you a hammer, you say "I can't do anything with that.
  • It's the wrong tool for the job".
  • If someone complains to you that they have eaten too much and they now have a stomach ache, you say "I can't do anything about that.
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3 Answers
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AnonymousWith or about, Is either okay to use in that sentence?
Yes, but not with the same meaning.

If you are trying to swat a fly and someone hands you a hammer, you say "I can't do anything with that. It's the wrong tool for the job".

If someone complains to you that they have eaten too much and they now have a stomach ache, you sa
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AnonymousIs either okay to use in that sentence?
Yes, both are grammatically possible, but it's hard to tell which is better without knowing what "that" refers to or what the intended meaning is.

Out of context, "I can't do anything about that" seems to mean "I can't (do anything to) change that (situation)/solve that (problem); I have no control over
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Thank you very much for the helpful answers, CJ and ozzourti!
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